Chuck Smith

SgtMaj Charles “Chuck” Fredrick Smith, USMC (Ret.), age 97, formerly of Erie, PA passed away Sunday, September 20, 2026 in Murfreesboro, TN. He was born in Richmond Township, PA to the late Guy A. and Elsie Mae Stainbrook Smith. He earned his bachelor's degree from Chaminade College in Hawaii and his master’s degree from Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania. Chuck proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps for 31 years retiring as a Sergeant Major. He had the unique distinction of serving as a China Marine as well as during World War II and two tours in Vietnam. He also served as District Justice for 17 years before retiring.

Chuck was a lifetime member of the Marine Corps league, the American Legion Post 105, Veterans of Foreign War Post 4789, Pennsylvania Lions Beacon Lodge for the Blind, and China Marine Association. He was a long-time member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Erie and is a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Murfreesboro. Chuck volunteered with St. Boniface Food Pantry, Greene Township Lions Club, Kuhl Hose Volunteer Fire Department, Toys for Tots, and Habitat for Humanity.

Chuck is survived by his children, Rita Fuller, Richard Smith and his wife Kathleen, Kim Galkowski and her husband Richard, Kevin Smith and his wife Francesca; 10 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and 11 great great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 77 years, Norma J. King Smith; brothers, Clyde Smith, Earl Smith, Robert Smith, Ray Smith, and Roy Smith; sister, Marie Taylor; and grandsons, Matthew Smith and Michael Fuller.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to St. Boniface Food Pantry, 9333 Tate Rd, Ste 102, Erie, PA 16509 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospitals at stjude.org.

Visitation with the family will be Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 10:00am until 12:00noon at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 12:00noon at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Burial with military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Those arrangements will be announced once they are scheduled.